Raju Bista Says Sikkim, Darjeeling Have Different Political Futures; Reaffirms Protection of Article 371F
Raju Bista Says Sikkim, Darjeeling Have Different Political Futures; Reaffirms Protection of Article 371F
Singtam, October 6: Darjeeling MP and BJP’s Sikkim in-charge Raju Bista has sought to clear the air over renewed speculation surrounding a possible Sikkim-Darjeeling merger, stating that the two regions have separate political futures despite sharing historical ties.
Addressing BJP workers at Singtam on Moday during his first organisational meeting after taking charge as Sikkim in-charge, Bista said Sikkim and Darjeeling would continue to support each other but would not interfere with each other’s political space.
His remarks come amid renewed debate in Sikkim over whether the Centre’s proposed Permanent Political Solution for the Darjeeling hills could have territorial implications for Sikkim. Several political and civil society organisations in Sikkim have sought clarity on the issue, while Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has already publicly ruled out any merger.
Bista also reaffirmed the BJP’s position on Article 371F, describing it as a permanent constitutional provision and stating that the party would respect and uphold it in letter and spirit.
The remarks are significant amid continuing political discussions surrounding the future settlement of the Darjeeling hills and concerns in Sikkim over safeguarding the state’s distinct identity and constitutional protections.
[ Raju Bista, Sikkim Darjeeling Merger, Article 371F, Sikkim News, Darjeeling News, BJP Sikkim ]
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